Toothbrush assembly

ABSTRACT

A toothbrush assembly comprising a head component, a handle component detachably attached to the head component, and a toothpaste cartridge removably received within the handle component. The head component comprises a first body member having a first cavity and a plurality of holes configured on a front end portion, and a plurality of bristles configured on the front end portion of the first body member. The handle component comprises a second body member having a second cavity, a rotatable member coupled to a distal end portion of the second body member, and a first turning lug coupled to the rotatable member. The toothpaste cartridge comprises an enclosure member for storing toothpaste therein, a rod positioned within the enclosure member, a second turning lug coupled to the rod, and a plunger member movably mounted on the rod.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a toothbrush, and more particularly, to a toothbrush assembly, which precludes a need of a toothpaste tube used for the purpose of storing toothpaste.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Routine cleaning of teeth is essential for preventing the teeth form diseases or infections. Generally, people use a toothbrush, and toothpaste that is stored in a toothpaste tube, for cleaning the teeth. Specifically, the toothpaste is applied on a bristle portion of the toothbrush by pressing the toothpaste tube and thereafter the bristle portion is used for cleaning the teeth by removing dirt and debris therefrom. The use of the toothpaste tube in conjunction with the toothbrush for cleaning teeth requires a sizeable space for the storage of the toothpaste tube.

Moreover, for cleaning of the teeth while traveling, for example during a vacation, both the toothpaste tube and the toothbrush must be carried, which may be an awkward task. Also, there may be problems such as leakage of the toothpaste from the toothpaste tube if the toothpaste tube is not closed properly. Also, a person may forget to carry the toothpaste tube while traveling. Further, a toothpaste tube is generally shared by many people, which may cause spreading of germs between the people sharing the toothpaste tube.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a toothbrush assembly, which precludes a need of a toothpaste tube used for the purposes of the storing toothpaste therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush assembly that is configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush assembly, which precludes a need of a toothpaste tube used for the purpose of storing toothpaste therein.

In light of the above object, in one aspect of the present invention, a toothbrush assembly is disclosed. The toothbrush assembly comprises a head component, a handle component, and a toothpaste cartridge. The head component comprises a first body member and a plurality of bristles configured on a front end portion of the first body member. The first body member comprises a first cavity extending within the first body member from a rear end portion of the first body member, and a plurality of holes configured on the front end portion of the first body member. The plurality of holes is fluidically coupled to the first cavity. Further, the plurality of bristles is surrounded by the plurality of holes.

The handle component is detachably attached to the head component. The handle component comprises a second body member, a rotatable member, and a first turning lug. The second body member comprises a second cavity extending within the second body member from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the second body member. The rotatable member is coupled to the distal end portion of the second body member. The first turning lug is coupled to the rotatable member in a manner such that the first turning lug is disposed within the second cavity of the second body member.

The toothpaste cartridge is removably received within the handle component. The toothpaste cartridge comprises an enclosure member, a rod member, a second turning lug, and a plunger member. The enclosure member is capable of being received within the second cavity of the second body member. The enclosure member stores toothpaste therein. The rod member is positioned longitudinally within the enclosure member. The second turning lug is coupled to an end portion of the rod member and disposed outside the enclosure member. The second turning lug is operatively coupled to the first turning lug. The plunger member is movably mounted on the rod member. The plunger member is adapted to move along the rod member upon rotating the rotatable member for dispensing the toothpaste from the enclosure member to the first cavity of the first body member. The dispensed toothpaste is received by the plurality of bristles through the plurality of holes.

This together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, is pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an unassembled perspective view of a toothbrush assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates an unassembled cross-sectional view of the toothbrush assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in implementation thereof. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a toothbrush assembly, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

The present invention provides a toothbrush assembly, which precludes a need of a toothpaste tube used for the purpose of storing toothpaste therein. More specifically, the toothbrush assembly is a self-contained toothbrush having a toothpaste cartridge, which stores toothpaste therein. The toothpaste stored in the toothpaste cartridge may be used for cleaning teeth thereby avoiding a need of the toothpaste tube used for the purpose of storing toothpaste therein.

Referring to FIG. 1, an unassembled perspective view of a toothbrush assembly 100 is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush assembly 100 includes a head component 200, a handle component 300 detachably attached to the head component 200, and a toothpaste cartridge 400 removably received within the handle component 300. The toothbrush assembly 100 further includes a cap member 500 adapted to be removably coupled to the head component 200 to enclose the head component 200.

The head component 200 includes a first body member 202 and a plurality of bristles 204. The first body member 202 includes a first cavity 206 extending within the first body member 202 form a rear end portion 208 of the first body member 202, and a plurality of holes, such as holes 210, configured on a front end portion 212 of the first body member 202. The first cavity 206 extends within the first body member 202 in a manner such that the holes 210 are fluidically coupled to the first cavity 206, which is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, the front end portion 212 of the first body member 202 is configured to assume a shape of substantially cuboidal structure, and the rear end portion 208 of the first body member 202 is configured to assume a shape of a substantially cylindrical structure. Further, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the head component 200 of the toothbrush assembly 100 may also be configured of other suitable shapes apart from the shape as depicted in FIG. 1.

The plurality of bristles 204 is configured on the front end portion 212 of the first body member 202. Specifically, the plurality of bristles 204 is configured on a top face of the front end portion 212, having a shape of a flat surface. Further, the plurality of bristles 204 surrounds the holes 210 configured on the front end portion 212. In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of bristles 204 extends from the top face of the front end portion 212 and the plurality of holes 210 are configured on the top face at spaces between the plurality of bristles 204.

The first body member 202 further includes a groove portion 214 configured on the rear end portion 208 of the first body member 202. The groove portion 214 is configured on a peripheral surface of the rear end portion 208 away from an edge of the rear end portion 208. The groove portion 214 enables in removably coupling the first body member 202 of the head component 200 with the cap member 500 by a snap-fit coupling, which is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.

The handle component 300 includes a second body member 302, a rotatable member 304 coupled to the second body member 302, and a first turning lug 306 coupled to the rotatable member 304. The second body member 302 includes a second cavity 308 extending within the second body member 302 form a proximal end portion 310 to a distal end portion 312 of the second body member 302, which is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, the second body member 302 is configured to assume a shape of hollow cylindrical structure. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the second body member 302 may be configured to assume other shape, such as an elongated hollow elliptical structure, or an elongated hollow polygonal structure.

The rotatable member 304 of the handle component 300 is coupled to the distal end portion 312 of the second body member 302. In the present embodiment, the rotatable member 304 is configured to assume a shape of a circular disc like structure, such that the rotatable member 304 aligns to a face of the distal end portion 312. Further, the first turning lug 306 is coupled to the rotatable member 304 in a manner such that the first turning lug 306 is disposed within the second cavity 308 of the second body member 302. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the first turning lug 306 includes a U-shaped portion 314 disposed within the second cavity 308, and a shaft 316 coupled to the U-shaped portion 314. The shaft 316 is adapted to be received by the face of the distal end portion 312 upon coupling the rotatable member 304 to the distal end portion 312 of the second body member 302, which is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.

As explained herein, the head component 200 is detachably attached to the handle component 300. In the present embodiment, the detachable coupling between the head component 200 and the handle component 300 is enabled by a threadable coupling. The first body member 202 of the head component 200 includes a plurality of internal threads 216 configured on the rear end portion 208 of the first body member 202, and the second body member 302 of the handle component 300 includes a plurality of external threads 318 configured on the proximal end portion 310 of the second body member 302. The plurality of internal threads 216 is configured on an inner surface of the rear end portion 208 of the first body member 202, and the plurality of external threads 318 is configured on an outer surface of the proximal end portion 310 of the second body member 302. The plurality of internal threads 216 is configured to mesh with the plurality of external threads 318 upon rotatably receiving the proximal end portion 310 within the rear end portion 208, thereby enabling the threadable coupling between the head component 200 and the handle component 300.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the threadable coupling may be strengthened between the head component 200 and the handle component 300 by use of an 0-ring 600 in the toothbrush assembly 100. The O-ring 600 is adapted to be positioned between the head component 200 and the handle component 300. The O-ring 600 is adapted to be received on a portion of the plurality of external threads 318. When the plurality of external threads 318 is allowed to mesh with the plurality of internal threads 216, the O-ring 600 is squeezed between the head component 200 and the handle component 300. The O-ring 600, when squeezed enables in removing a possibility of a void space, which may occur in the threadable coupling between the head component 200 and the handle component 300, thereby strengthening the threadable coupling therebetween, as well as the seal created thereby.

As explained herein, the toothpaste cartridge 400 is removably received within the handle component 300. The toothpaste cartridge 400 is received within the second cavity 308 of the second body member 302. The toothpaste cartridge 400 includes an enclosure member 402, a rod member 404, a second turning lug 406, and a plunger member 408 (shown with dotted lines). The enclosure member 402 is received within the second cavity 308 of the second body member 302. The enclosure member 402 stores toothpaste (not shown) therein. It should be understood that the term “toothpaste” used herein refers to any dentifrice, such as a tooth cleaning gel, used for cleaning teeth. Further, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the enclosure member 402 is composed of a soft plastic material, storing the toothpaste therein. The enclosure member 402 may be composed of suitable materials other than plastic, including, but not limited to aluminum and stainless steel, as well.

The rod member 404 is positioned longitudinally within the enclosure member 402. In one embodiment, the rod member 404 is centrally positioned within the enclosure member 402 in a manner such that the rod member 404 may be surrounded by the toothpaste, when the toothpaste is filled within the enclosure member 402. The second turning lug 406 is coupled to an end portion of the rod member 404. Specifically, the second turning lug 406 is coupled to the rod member 404 in a manner such that the second turning lug 406 is disposed outside the enclosure member 402. In one embodiment of the present invention, the rod member 404 and the second turning lug 406 is composed of a plastic material. Accordingly, that rod member 404 may be coupled to the second turning lug 406 by a process of molding.

In the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the second turning lug 406 is configured to assume a U-shaped structure, such as the U-shaped portion 314 of the first turning lug 306. The second turning lug 406 may operatively couple to the U-shaped portion 314 of the first turning lug 306, upon receiving the toothpaste cartridge 400 within the handle component 300. More specifically, the second turning lug 406 meshes with the first turning lug 306 upon positioning the toothpaste cartridge 400 within the second body member 302.

The plunger member 408 is movably mounted on the rod member 404. In the present embodiment, the movable mounting between the plunger member 408 and the rod member 404 is enabled by a threadable arrangement. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the rod member 404 includes a plurality of external threads 410 configured thereon. Further, the plunger member 408 includes a central hole (not shown) capable of receiving the rod member 404 therethrough, and a plurality of internal threads configured on a surface (not shown) defining the central hole. The plurality of external threads 410 of the rod member 404 meshes with the plurality of internal threads of the plunger member 408.

Further, the plunger member 408 is adapted to move along the rod member 404 upon rotating the rotatable member 304. As explained above, the second turning lug 406 meshes with the first turning lug 306, and by rotating the rotatable member 304, the first turning lug 306 is also rotated, which also rotates the second turning lug 406. Consequently, the rotation in the second turning lug 406 causes rotation in the rod member 404, thereby allowing the plunger member 408 to rotatably move along the rod member 404, due to the threadable arrangement therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 1, the enclosure member 402 includes a rim portion 412 configured on an edge of the enclosure member 402. The rim portion 412 is adapted to be positioned on an edge 320 of the proximal end portion 310 of the second body member 302, upon positioning the toothpaste cartridge 400 within the handle component 300. The rim portion 412 enables in properly securing the enclosure member 402 within the handle component 300, which is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the toothpaste cartridge 400 further includes a peel-off cover 414 adapted to be disposed on the rim portion 412. More specifically, the peel-off cover 414 enables in providing a cover to the toothpaste stored within the enclosure member 402. Further, it will be evident to person skilled in the art that the peel-off cover 414 needs to be removed from the enclosure member 402 before inserting the toothpaste cartridge 400 within the handle component 300 for using the toothpaste stored in the enclosure member 402.

As explained herein, the cap member 500 is adapted to be removably coupled to the head component 200. More specifically, the cap member 500 is removably coupled to the head component 200 such that the cap member 500 encloses the plurality of bristles 204 within the cap member 500. For example, in an unused condition of the toothbrush assembly 100, the plurality of bristles 204 of the head component 200 may be enclosed with the help of the cap member 500. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cap member 500 includes a plurality of vents, such as vents 502 configured on the cap member 500. The vents 502 enables in evacuating air from the cap member 500 in the unused condition thereof, particularly, upon coupling the cap member 500 with the head component 200. The coupling between the cap member 500 and the head component 200 is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an unassembled cross-sectional view of the toothbrush assembly 100 of FIG. 1 is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates the cross-sectional view of elements of the toothbrush assembly 100, such as the head component 200, the handle component 300, the toothpaste cartridge 400, and the cap member 500, along longitudinal axis passing through the elements. Herein the description of FIG. 2 is provided only for the purpose to describe the elements of the toothbrush assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and it should not be considered limiting.

The cap member 500 is adapted to be removably coupled to the head component 200. More specifically, the cap member 500 and the head component 200 are coupled by the snap-fit coupling. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the cap member 500 includes a protruded portion 504 configured on an edge of the cap member 500. The protruded portion 504 of the cap member 500 is capable of being received by the groove portion 214 configured on the rear end portion 208 of the first body member 202 of the head component 200, thereby forming the snap fit coupling between the cap member 500 and the head component 200.

In the present embodiment, as explained herein in conjunction with FIG. 1, the first cavity 206 extends within the first body member 202 form the rear end portion 208 towards the front end portion 212 of the first body member 202. As shown in FIG. 2, the first cavity 206 is accessible form the rear end portion 208 due to an open configuration thereof, whereas the front end portion 212 is configured such that the first cavity 206 is closed. Therefore, the first cavity 206 is fluidically coupled to the holes 210 configured on the front end portion 212. More specifically, the holes 210 are through holes configured on the top face of the front end portion 212, and the holes 210 are joined to the first cavity 206 extending under the top face of the front end portion 212.

As explained in conjunction with FIG. 1, the second cavity 308 extends within the second body member 302 form the proximal end portion 310 of the second body member 302. More specifically, the second cavity 308 extends form the proximal end portion 310 towards the distal end portion 312 of the second body member 302. As shown in FIG. 2, the second cavity 308 is accessible form the proximal end portion 310 due to an open configuration thereof, whereas the distal end portion 312 closes the second cavity 308 due a closed configuration thereof. The rotatable member 304 is coupled to the distal end portion 312 in a manner such that the first turning lug 306 is disposed within the second cavity 308. More specifically, the rotatable member 304 may be coupled to a face 322 of the distal end portion 312 in a manner such that the shaft 316 of the first turning lug 306 is received by a hole 324 configured on the face 322. Accordingly, the U-shaped portion 314 of the first turning lug 306 is received within the second cavity 308 of the second body member 302. Further, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the U-shaped portion 314 and the shaft 316 of the first turning lug 306 is preconfigured to be received inside the second cavity 308 and the hole 324, respectively, at the time of manufacturing.

The second cavity 308 is further capable of receiving the toothpaste cartridge 400 therein. As explained herein, the rim portion 412 of the enclosure member 402 of the toothpaste cartridge 400 is adapted to be positioned on the edge 320 of the proximal end portion 310 of the second body member 302, upon positioning the toothpaste cartridge 400 within the second cavity 308. More specifically, the rim portion 412 is adapted to get positioned between the edge 320 of the proximal end portion 310 and an edge 218 of the rear end portion 208 upon coupling the head component 200 and the handle component 300. Accordingly, the rim portion 412 of the enclosure member 402 enables in properly securing the enclosure member 402 within the handle component 300.

In use, the peel-off cover 414 of the toothpaste cartridge 400 is removed from the rim portion 412 of the enclosure member 402. The toothpaste cartridge 400 is thereafter placed within the second cavity 308 of the second body member 302 in a manner such that second turning lug 406 meshes with the U-shaped portion 314 of the first turning lug 306. More specifically, the toothpaste cartridge 400 is inserted within the handle component 300 such that the toothpaste cartridge 400 is completely received within the handle component 300, and the second turning lug 406 is meshed with the first turning lug 306.

The handle component 300, receiving the toothpaste cartridge 400 therein, may be coupled to the head component 200. In the present embodiment, as explained in conjunction with FIG. 1, the handle component 300 is threadably coupled to the head component 200 by using the plurality of external threads 318 configured on the proximal end portion 310 and the plurality of internal threads 216 configured on the rear end portion 208. Accordingly, the rim portion 412 of the enclosure member 402 gets sandwiched between the edge 218 of the rear end portion 208 and the edge 320 of the proximal end portion 310, thereby properly securing the enclosure member 402 within the handle component 300.

After attaching the toothpaste cartridge 400 with the handle component 300, and the handle component 300 to the head component 200, the rotatable member 304 is rotated for rotating the second turning lug 406 of the toothpaste cartridge 400. The second turning lug 406 in turn rotates the rod member 404 and enables the plunger member 408 to move along the rod member 404. The threadable arrangement between the plunger member 408 and the rod member 404 enables the plunger member 408 to rotatably move along the rod member 404. The rotatable movement of the plunger member 408 dispenses the toothpaste from the enclosure member 402 to the first cavity 206 of the first body member 202. Further, the dispensed toothpaste is adapted to be received by the plurality of bristles 204 through the holes 210. The plurality of bristles 204 thereafter may be used for cleaning teeth. Accordingly, the toothbrush assembly 100 of the present invention precludes a need of a toothpaste tube used for the purpose of storing toothpaste. Moreover, after cleaning the teeth with the help of the plurality of bristles 204, the cap member 500 may be coupled to the head component 200 for enclosing the plurality of bristles 204 within the cap member 500.

The present invention provides a toothbrush assembly, such as the toothbrush assembly 100, as described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2, which enables in avoiding use of a toothpaste tube for the purpose of cleaning teeth. Therefore, the toothbrush assembly avoids any possibility of spreading of germs between the people, which may be a case when multiple people share the same toothpaste tube. The toothbrush assembly of the present invention is portable, and enables in avoiding a need of separately carrying the toothpaste tube in journeys. In one embodiment of the present invention, the toothbrush assembly may be composed of a light weight material, such as a plastic material. Further, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, elements of the toothbrush assembly may be of any suitable dimensions. For example, the toothbrush assembly may have a length of about 9 inches and the width of 1 inch. Moreover, a cap member of the toothbrush assembly may have a length of 3¼ inches, and width of 1 inch, and a toothpaste cartridge may have a length of about 6 inches and a diameter of ½ inches. It will be apparent that additional or replacement toothpaste cartridges may be provided and may be packaged and purchased separately when a user depletes the toothpaste in a toothpaste cartridge of the present invention.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 

1. A toothbrush assembly comprising: a head component comprising a first body member having a first cavity extending within the first body member from a rear end portion of the first body member, and a plurality of holes configured on a front end portion of the first body member, the plurality of holes fluidically coupled to the first cavity, wherein the first cavity includes a first diameter at the rear end portion and a second diameter at the front end portion, where the first diameter is greater than the second diameter and a segment of decreasing diameter where said segment of decreasing diameter starts at the first diameter and decreases to the second diameter, and a plurality of bristles configured on the front end portion of the first body, the plurality of bristles surrounding the plurality of holes; a handle component detachably attached to the head component, the handle component comprising a second body member having a second cavity extending within the second body member from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the second body member, a rotatable member coupled to the distal end portion of the second body member, and a first turning lug coupled to the rotatable member in a manner such that the first turning lug is disposed within the second cavity of the second body member; and a toothpaste cartridge removably received within the handle component, the toothpaste cartridge comprising an enclosure member capable of being received within the second cavity of the second body member, the enclosure member storing toothpaste therein, a rod member positioned longitudinally within the enclosure member, a second turning lug coupled to an end portion of the rod member and disposed outside the enclosure member, the second turning lug operatively coupled to the first turning lug, and a plunger member movably mounted on the rod member, wherein the plunger member is adapted to move along the rod member upon rotating the rotatable member for dispensing the toothpaste from the enclosure member to the first cavity of the first body member, thereby receiving the dispensed toothpaste by the plurality of bristles through the plurality of holes.
 2. The toothbrush assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cap member adapted to be removably coupled to the first body member of the head component for enclosing the plurality of bristles within the cap member.
 3. The toothbrush assembly of claim 2, wherein the cap member is removably coupled to the head component by a snap-fit coupling.
 4. The toothbrush assembly of claim 3, wherein the cap member comprises a protruded portion, and the rear end portion of the first body member of the head component comprises a groove portion capable of receiving the protruded portion of the cap member for enabling the snap-fit coupling between the cap member and the first body member of the head component.
 5. The toothbrush assembly of claim 2, wherein the cap member comprises a plurality of vents configured thereon.
 6. The toothbrush assembly of claim 1, wherein the detachable attachment between the head component and the handle component is enabled by a threadable coupling.
 7. The toothbrush assembly of claim 6, wherein the first body member of the head component comprises internal threads configured on the rear end portion of the first body member, and the second body member of the handle component comprises external threads configured on the proximal end portion of the second body member, the external threads coupled to the internal threads for enabling the threadable coupling between the head component and the handle component.
 8. The toothbrush assembly of claim 6, further comprising an O-ring adapted to be positioned between the head component and the handle component for strengthening the threadable coupling therebetween and the seal created thereby.
 9. The toothbrush assembly of claim 1, wherein the enclosure member comprises a rim portion configured on an edge of the enclosure member.
 10. The toothbrush assembly of claim 9, wherein the toothpaste cartridge further comprises a peel-off cover adapted to be disposed on the rim portion of the enclosure member for enclosing the toothpaste stored within the enclosure member.
 11. The toothbrush assembly of claim 1, wherein the plunger member is movably mounted on the rod member by a threadable arrangement.
 12. The toothbrush assembly of claim 1, wherein, upon depletion of the toothpaste contained therein, said cartridge may be replaced with another cartridge that contains toothpaste. 